How Human Choices Create Famines

CrashCourse

This episode of Crash Course World History investigates the complex causes of famine, challenging the common misconception that mass starvation is solely the result of natural disasters like drought. Host John Green explores the intersection of weather patterns, economic systems, and government policies to explain why people starve even when food is available. The video specifically highlights the work of economist Amartya Sen, who argued that famine is fundamentally about a lack of access to resources rather than an absence of them. The video takes a deep dive into 19th-century India under British rule as a case study, examining how colonial tax policies, the shift to cash crops like cotton, and rigid adherence to free-market ideologies exacerbated the effects of El Niño droughts. It touches upon other major historical famines, including those caused by totalitarian regimes like Stalin's Soviet Union and Mao's China, comparing how different political ideologies—whether collectivist or laissez-faire capitalist—can lead to similar devastating outcomes when human welfare is deprioritized. For educators, this resource serves as a powerful tool to teach critical thinking about historical causality and social justice. It helps students move beyond simple explanations for historical events, encouraging them to analyze primary sources, economic theories, and the ethical responsibilities of governments. The content bridges geography, history, and economics, making it ideal for interdisciplinary units on imperialism, resource management, and global development.